Patents by Inventor James W. Harris
James W. Harris has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11738319Abstract: A process and system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dehydrogenation reactor is provided. Samples of hydrocarbon streams are taken at sampling locations to be analyzed at a single gas chromatograph or other analytical equipment. Actions can be taken to modify the operation of the dehydrogenation reactor as necessary to maintain its operation within predetermined parameters. In particular, actions may be taken when a hydrocarbon stream exhibits an amount of cracking that is outside parameters. It is usually intended that actions will be taken on a gradual basis once or twice per day to reduce the cost of the process while still providing the necessary changes to operations.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: James W. Harris, Parag Jain, Paul Adams, Michael J. Grapenthien, Louis A. Lattanzio, Priyank Tiwari, Charles P. Luebke, Zudtky Wisecraver, Christopher DiGiulio
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Patent number: 11667848Abstract: A process for reducing pressure of a vapor stream used for reducing a temperature or pressure in a reactor. A pressure of a vapor stream is reduced with a turbine to provide a lower pressure vapor stream. The vapor stream rotates a turbine wheel within the turbine. The turbine wheel is configured to transmit rotational movement to an electrical generator. Thus, electricity is generated with the turbine. The lower pressure vapor stream is injected into a reactor and reduces a temperature in the reactor or reduces a partial pressure of a hydrocarbon vapor in the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stanley Joseph Frey, Keith Allen Couch, Donald A. Eizenga, James W. Harris
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Publication number: 20230046451Abstract: A control process and apparatus provide feed forward control of stoichiometric proportions of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia to a thermal oxidizer and an ammonia scrubber, respectively. To account for unmeasured or uncalculated sulfur feed to the thermal oxidizer, a feed back measurement of sulfur dioxide and ammonia concentration is used to correct the flow rate of hydrogen sulfide to the thermal oxidizer and/or ammonia to the ammonia scrubber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Cameron Kardel, Donald Eizenga, James W. Harris, Jan De Ren, Zudtky Wisecarver, Alexander Green, William J. Whyman, Ian Clarke
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Patent number: 11519602Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a flare burner with a camera. The methods and systems which may indicate to operators the presence or absence of one or more of smoke, flare flame, and steam plume and record those indications or measurements. Additionally, the methods and systems may confirm whether compliance with local regulations on visual emissions, smoke plume is achieved. The methods and systems automatically adjust the delivery rate of key inputs including measures assist fuel gas, purge gas, steam and/or air simultaneously to maintain or attain compliance with said local regulatory requirements. Also, methods for a machine learning process for using controller inputs to identify normal and abnormal flare states and provide visual indications and flare operation recommendations.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Kurt Edward Kraus, Matthew Martin, Tobias Nebel, Michael Kon Yew Hughes, Frank M. Haran, Sebastien Tixier, James W. Harris
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Publication number: 20220379281Abstract: A process and system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dehydrogenation reactor is provided. Samples of hydrocarbon streams are taken at sampling locations to be analyzed at a single gas chromatograph or other analytical equipment. Actions can be taken to modify the operation of the dehydrogenation reactor as necessary to maintain its operation within predetermined parameters. In particular, actions may be taken when a hydrocarbon stream exhibits an amount of cracking that is outside parameters. It is usually intended that actions will be taken on a gradual basis once or twice per day to reduce the cost of the process while still providing the necessary changes to operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2021Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: James W. Harris, Parag Jain, Paul Adams, Michael J. Grapenthien, Louis A. Lattanzio, Priyank Tiwari, Charles P. Luebke, Zudtky Wisecraver, Christopher DiGiulio
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Patent number: 11249058Abstract: Processes and apparatus for analyzing fluid properties of a stream are described. The processes utilize a simulated moving bed system and a rotary valve. The processes involve sending a portion of the pump-around stream to a side chamber where the moisture content of the adsorbent in the side chamber or one or more fluid properties of the stream or both are measured using an analyzer specific to each fluid property.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: James W. Harris, Heather A. Fleitz, Gregory A. Ernst, Chad A. Williams
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Patent number: 11194301Abstract: A process for reducing pressure of a vapor stream wherein the vapor stream rotates a turbine wheel within the turbine to transmit rotational movement to an electrical generator and generate electricity. The resulting lower pressure vapor stream reduces a partial pressure of a hydrocarbon vapor or is injected into a reactor to reduce a temperature in the reactor. A recovered electric power measuring system comprises at least one processor; at least one memory storing computer-executable instructions; and at least one receiver configured to receive data from a sensor on an electrical powerline connected to a generator of a turbine, the turbine in fluid communication with a vapor stream wherein the turbine reduces the pressure of the vapor stream and the resulting lower pressure vapor stream is injected into a reactor to reduce a temperature in the reactor or to reduce a partial pressure of hydrocarbon vapor in the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stanley J. Frey, Keith A. Couch, Donald A. Eizenga, James W. Harris, Thomas A. Ebner
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Patent number: 11131218Abstract: Processes for controlling at least one process condition of a chemical processing unit with a turbine. In the processes, a flow of a fluid is adjusted with a turbine in order to provide the fluid with a flow associated with at least one process condition of a chemical processing unit. The turbine wheel is rotated within the turbine, and the turbine wheel is configured to transmit rotational movement to an electrical generator. The resistance of the turbine is modulated and adjusts the flow of the fluid through the turbine. A response time of at least one steady state process condition to a new steady state process condition of at least 10% difference is at least one second to reach 50% of the difference between the at least one steady state process condition and the new steady state process condition after modulating the resistance of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stanley Joseph Frey, James W. Harris
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Publication number: 20210255152Abstract: Processes and apparatus for analyzing fluid properties of a stream are described. The processes utilize a simulated moving bed system and a rotary valve. The processes involve sending a portion of the pump-around stream to a side chamber where the moisture content of the adsorbent in the side chamber or one or more fluid properties of the stream or both are measured using an analyzer specific to each fluid property.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2020Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: James W. Harris, Heather A. Fleitz, Gregory A. Ernst, Chad A. Williams
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Publication number: 20210200195Abstract: A plant diagnostic system and method for plant process control and analysis comprising one or more sensors configured to collect and report compositional operation information of the equipment in the plant or refinery in real-time. At least one of the one or more sensors may be selected from a group of GC, GCxGC, micro GC, micro GCxGC, or combinations thereof The diagnostic system may comprise a detection platform, an analysis platform, a visualization platform, and/or an alert platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Wharton Sinkler, Linda S. Cheng, Paul Adams, James W. Harris
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Patent number: 11002645Abstract: A dual spray chamber apparatus is described. In one or more implementations, the dual spray chamber apparatus includes a first cyclonic spray chamber for receiving an aerosol and conditioning the aerosol to separate a first conditioned portion of the aerosol from a second portion of the aerosol. The first cyclonic spray chamber defines a first chamber interior and comprises an input port in fluid communication with the first chamber interior. The dual spray chamber apparatus also includes a second spray chamber coupled with the first cyclonic spray chamber for receiving the first conditioned portion of the aerosol and further conditioning the first conditioned portion of the aerosol. The second spray chamber defines a second chamber interior and comprises an output port for expelling a first further conditioned portion of the first conditioned portion of the aerosol from the second chamber interior.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, James W. Harris
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Publication number: 20210009904Abstract: A process for reducing pressure of a vapor stream used for reducing a temperature or pressure in a reactor. A pressure of a vapor stream is reduced with a turbine to provide a lower pressure vapor stream. The vapor stream rotates a turbine wheel within the turbine. The turbine wheel is configured to transmit rotational movement to an electrical generator. Thus, electricity is generated with the turbine. The lower pressure vapor stream is injected into a reactor and reduces a temperature in the reactor or reduces a partial pressure of a hydrocarbon vapor in the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Stanley Joseph Frey, Keith Allen Couch, Donald A. Eizenga, James W. Harris
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Publication number: 20200386404Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a flare burner with a camera. The methods and systems which may indicate to operators the presence or absence of one or more of smoke, flare flame, and steam plume and record those indications or measurements. Additionally, the methods and systems may confirm whether compliance with local regulations on visual emissions, smoke plume is achieved. The methods and systems automatically adjust the delivery rate of key inputs including measures assist fuel gas, purge gas, steam and/or air simultaneously to maintain or attain compliance with said local regulatory requirements. Also, methods for a machine learning process for using controller inputs to identify normal and abnormal flare states and provide visual indications and flare operation recommendations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Kurt Edward Kraus, Matthew Martin, Tobias Nebel, Michael Kon Yew Hughes, Frank M. Haran, Sebastien Tixier, James W. Harris
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Patent number: 10829698Abstract: A process for reducing pressure of a vapor stream used for reducing a temperature or pressure in a reactor. A pressure of a vapor stream is reduced with a turbine to provide a lower pressure vapor stream. The vapor stream rotates a turbine wheel within the turbine. The turbine wheel is configured to transmit rotational movement to an electrical generator. Thus, electricity is generated with the turbine. The lower pressure vapor stream is injected into a reactor and reduces a temperature in the reactor or reduces a partial pressure of a hydrocarbon vapor in the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stanley Joseph Frey, Keith Allen Couch, Donald A. Eizenga, James W. Harris
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Publication number: 20200338538Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation of pyridine derivatives, such as ?-picoline or ?-parvoline, and catalysts useful for the selective preparation of such pyridine derivatives. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to the selective preparation of certain pyridine derivative using dealuminated zeolite catalysts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2018Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Colin H. McATEER, Mirza S. BAIG, Kayla L. POWELL, James W. HARRIS, Rajamani GOUNDER
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Patent number: 10792583Abstract: The present invention relates to the fractionation technology that is used to create purified phenol and acetone products. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fractionation technology that is used to create crude acetone and crude phenol streams using a dividing wall column intended to remove cumene, alpha-methyl styrene and water from the product side of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Russell C. Schulz, Chad A. Williams, James W. Harris, Nikunj Manubhai Patel
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Patent number: 10753235Abstract: Processes and apparatus for recovering energy from a petroleum, petrochemical, or chemical process are disclosed. The process comprises providing a fluid process stream in a petroleum, petrochemical, or chemical process zone having a direct current power input; controlling a flow rate of the process stream by directing at least a portion of the process stream through a first power-recovery turbine to generate electric power as direct current therefrom; and providing the recovered direct current to the direct current power input of the process zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: James W. Harris, Donald A. Eizenga, Michael Van de Cotte, David A. Wegerer
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Patent number: 10745631Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering power in a hydroprocessing process are described. The method involves the use of a power-recovery turbine in place of, or in addition to, a control valve. A hydrocarbon feed stream is combined with a portion of a hydrogen stream. The combined stream is heated, and the heated stream is introduced into a hydroprocessing reaction zone having at least two beds. The heated stream is contacted with a first hydroprocessing catalyst to form a first hydroprocessed stream. At least part of a portion of the hydrogen stream is combined with the first hydroprocessed stream to form a first quenched hydroprocessed stream. The first quenched hydroprocessed stream is contacted with a second hydroprocessing catalyst to form a second hydroprocessed stream. At least a portion of the second portion of the hydrogen stream is directed through a power-recovery turbine to generate electric power.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stanley Joseph Frey, James W. Harris, Michael Van de Cotte
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Patent number: 10739798Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting temperature excursion in a chemical plant or petrochemical plant or refinery. Aspects of the disclosure provide an enhanced control system for a reactor, such as in hydroprocessing. The enhanced control system may provide early warnings of impending undesirable events, directly or indirectly manipulate certain process variables to reduce undesirable outcomes, and/or directly or indirectly manipulate of certain process variables so as to place a reactor unit in a “safe park” state. This may avoid a high temperature trip, depressuration, associated operating risks, allow for faster recovery from temperature excursions, and/or avoid unplanned emergency shutdowns of the reactor, chemical process, plant, or refinery.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Jorge Charr, Donald Eizenga, Raul A. Ohaco, Ralph P. Davis, Christina L. Haasser, James W. Harris, Kevin Carnes, Daliah Papoutsis
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Patent number: 10690010Abstract: A steam reboiler unit that includes turbines for reducing the pressure of various streams associated with the reboilers. The turbines generate electricity from the pressure reduction which can be recovered and utilized elsewhere in the processing unit. Data from the turbine associated with the amount of electrical power generated by the turbine is used to adjust other processing conditions to provide for a more efficient operation of the processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: James W Harris, Stanley Joseph Frey